She, They, Us: Table Lake Backpack

Activity Notes

4-day/3-night moderately difficult backpacking trip to the rarely-visited southeastern Mt Jefferson Wilderness.  Participants are expected to have some prior backpacking experience.  This route is largely untouched by the major fires of the last couple decades.  This time of year can be warm and beautiful (swimming and huckleberries?) or rainy and chilly.  It's a beautiful area to visit either way. She, They, Us  is an inclusive and welcoming community of women, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming folx interested in the outdoors. Day 1 (Thursday 9/21): Depart Portland, drive to Cabot Lake Trailhead (4540').  Hike 4.7 miles/+1000' to beautiful Carl Lake (5500').  Set up camp.  Optional side trip from Carl Lake to South Cinder Peak, 4 miles roundtrip/+1200'. Day 2 (Friday 9/22): Pack up camp and head north 5 miles/+1100' to Table Lake (5500').  Set up camp.  Optional off-trail side trip up onto The Table, to explore this interesting pumice plain, a few miles roundtrip/+700'. Day 3 (Saturday 9/23): Off-trail day hike, up and over the divide to reach the PCT, north to Shale Lake, and back via the same route.  Up to 10 miles/+2000'. Day 4 (Sunday 9/24): Pack up camp and return to trailhead via Carl Lake.  10 miles/+1700'.  Drive back to Portland. The leader has an overnight Central Cascade Wilderness permit for the group.  Drive time is 3.5 hours one-way, about 300 miles roundtrip.  Carpooling is encouraged and passengers should plan to reimburse driver $30 for gas.